Saudi women invited to join the ranks of the armed forces

Saudi women can now join he Royal Saudi Land Forces, Royal Saudi Airforce, Royal Saudi Arabian Navy, Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces, Royal Saudi Strategic Missile Forces and Armed Forces Medical Services. (SPA)
Updated 03 October 2019
Follow

Saudi women invited to join the ranks of the armed forces

  • Women can now join as lance corporals, corporals, sergeants and staff sergeants
  • The initiative fulfills Saudi Vision 2030 and empowers women

DUBAI: Saudi women can now climb through the ranks of the armed forces the Kingdom’s Ministry of Defense has announced.

While women have been able to join the armed forces in Saudi Arabia, this is the first time they can be considered for more senior ranks, Arabic international daily Asharq Al-Awsat reported on Thursday.

“With these new laws supporting women’s capabilities and rights as citizens… naturally, they will enter new spheres of work, this is the reflection of a national belief in the equality between women and men,” Shura Council member Haya Al-Muni’i told Asharq Al-Awsat.

Under the scheme women can now join as lance corporals, corporals, sergeants and staff sergeants in the Royal Saudi Land Forces, Royal Saudi Airforce, Royal Saudi Arabian Navy, Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces, Royal Saudi Strategic Missile Forces and Armed Forces Medical Services.

The initiative is part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to empower Saudi women and expand the role they play in society.

Saudi women have already been given the opportunity to climb the ranks in the front line of public security, including the General Directorate of Narcotics, General Directorate of Prisons, Criminal Evidence and Customs.


Pakistan Airports Authority reports ‘historic’ twin-engine aircraft landing in Lahore

Updated 13 December 2025
Follow

Pakistan Airports Authority reports ‘historic’ twin-engine aircraft landing in Lahore

  • Twin-engine aircraft are usually larger, heavier and require better airport infrastructure, navigation systems to land
  • Pakistan Airports Authority says landing reflects its commitment to enhance aviation sector, strengthen infrastructure

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced on Saturday that the New General Aviation Aerodrome achieved a significant milestone when it handled the landing of a twin-engine aircraft. 

A twin-engine aircraft has two engines that provide it redundancy and increased performance compared to single-engine counterparts. These aircraft range from small twin-engine propeller planes to large commercial jetliners. The presence of multiple engines enhances safety by allowing the aircraft to continue flying in the event of an engine failure.

However, twin-engine aircraft are usually larger, heavier and more complex than single-engine planes. They require advanced airport infrastructure such as better runways, navigation systems and air traffic coordination. 

“The New General Aviation Aerodrome, Lahore achieved another significant operational milestone today with the successful landing of a twin-engine aircraft, following the recent arrival of a single-engine aircraft,” the PAA said in a statement. 

It said the flight was also boarded by Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed, the director general of the PAA. The move reflected “strong institutional confidence” in the aerodrome’s safety standards, operational capability, and overall readiness, it added. 

“The landing was conducted with exceptional precision and professionalism, demonstrating the aerodrome’s robust operational framework, technical preparedness, and effective airside coordination in accordance with contemporary aviation requirements,” the PAA said. 

It said the landing represented a “major advancement” in Pakistan’s general aviation sector and underscores the PAA’s commitment to enhancing regional aviation capacity, strengthening infrastructure and promoting excellence in aviation development.